Ramsay hospital sets new benchmark in breast cancer surgery

Ramsay Health Care’s Hollywood Private Hospital has become the first private hospital in Australia to offer a minimally invasive breast surgery technique for women with elevated breast cancer risk. The procedure is designed to reduce scarring, accelerate recovery and help preserve body confidence following surgery.

The pioneering program is being led by Perth breast surgeon Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor Saud Hamza, the first surgeon in Australia to perform the key-hole procedure.

A/Professor Hamza said advances in surgical technology have the ability to transform breast surgery.

“The introduction of minimally invasive breast surgery has the potential to represent a significant advancement in risk reduction and implant reconstructive breast surgery in Australia,” A/Professor Hamza said. “Women who carry certain inherited gene mutations [BRCA1 and BRCA2] often face difficult decisions about reducing their future cancer risk. This minimally invasive approach offers eligible patients an alternative surgical option that aims to reduce visible scarring, minimise tissue trauma and support faster recovery, while preserving the natural appearance of the breast.”

The introduction of the technique follows a regional-first surgical education workshop hosted in April by internationally recognised experts Dr Antonio Toesca from Italy and Professor Chi Wei Mok from Singapore using the da Vinci Single Port (SP) robotic surgical system and high-definition Karl Storz laparoscopic stack systems. Dr Toesca and Professor Mok are globally recognised pioneers of robotic and laparoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast implant reconstruction.

Unlike traditional open surgery, minimally invasive breast surgery uses small incisions, typically around four centimetres in length, positioned discreetly along the side of the chest. Specialised high-definition three-dimensional imaging systems provide surgeons with exceptional visualisation of the surgical field on large 3D displays, enabling greater precision throughout the procedure. The enhanced imaging allows surgeons to identify important anatomical structures, including nerves and blood vessels, with greater clarity, potentially reducing the risk of complications.

“The advanced imaging technology provides excellent visualisation throughout the procedure, enabling highly precise surgery while minimising damage to surrounding tissues,” A/Professor Hamza stated. “By reducing tissue trauma and blood loss, minimally invasive techniques have the potential to decrease postoperative complications while also improving patient comfort during recovery.”

Beyond its clinical advantages, the minimally invasive approach may also deliver important psychological benefits.

“For many women, maintaining body image following risk-reducing surgery can have a significant positive impact on confidence and emotional wellbeing,” A/Professor Hamzaexplained. “As technology continues to evolve and surgical expertise grows, minimally invasive breast surgery is likely to become increasingly important in breast care, helping deliver improved outcomes and experiences for patients.”

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